kenfoxy

I don't know what your wife's financial status has to do with an insurance company.

I would go with the Toyota deal. I don't believe any future buyer would even blink if he/she sees a "Toyota" stamp in the service book - but keep the detailed invoice of work done. Yes, the water pump is a weak spot on the IS200. Mine is 10 years old with 60K and no sign of a leak so you could be wasting your money geting it done. I think the only job which is common to timing belt and water pump is removing the 3 belts. A dealer will want you to ask for both for obvious reasons.

I think that insurance companies are smart enough these days to "interpret" the cars at a particular address and the insured and named drivers for each. Their interpretation will be reflected in the premiums. Also, remember that insurance companies share information.

I'm also sure it's illegal. However, the wording should say : "The policyholder may also drive an insured motor car not belonging ....."

I agree. The ideal buying situation is to find a private sale IS200 owned by the seller from new. You can go over all the paper work to confirm you know where the car has been and who is selling it. We all know the danger signs. I would do all those things first before examining the car. You can usually get the car cheaper privately and use the savings for any remedial work.

I wouldn't expect any significant problems, especially with the low mileage. You have bought one of the most reliable used cars on the road. They don't rot and the engines are good for 200K miles if they are looked after. Best of luck.

It is important that you get your car serviced according to the Lexus service schedule for your age of IS200 and mileage. The size of the garage is not important but their competence and familiarity with the IS200 is important. If your car has been Lexus maintained, it should have had the timing belt replaced at 60K miles (check your receipts). It will be due for its next one in 20K miles or 6 years from its last change whichever comes first. I think your right to keep the car. Sure you could sell it for some ridiculous price and pay thousands for something more economical, but you would miss the IS200 for all the reasons you have said. When our IS200 was 5 years old, we made enquiries about p/exing it for a new IS250. Dispite its full Lexus Service History the Lexus dealer wasn't interested, so we kept it. The dealer did us a favour.

Lexus "genuine part" doesn't mean made by Lexus surely, just made to Lexus specifications by a supplier.

At 100k miles I would question the financial wisdom of having your car serviced by Lexus. I don't think that a future buyer will pay any more money for a full Lexus service history over a full service history. I would just find a good independent and let them do the lot. It will save you a fortune. Incidentally, I have been told that Lexus don't replace shock absorbers with Lexus shock absorbers, just Lexus "approved" shock absorbers. So the chances aee your independent garage will use the same parts from the same supplier. Prices could be different though.

I would check the condition and tension on the drive belts and your water pump. Drive belts and water pumps can fail suddenly.

If you do get auto gearbox problems, there are plenty of specialists about who may offer a not so expensive solution. Chances are it probably won't happen.

Unless you do a high mileage each year, I would reckon that the depreciation over the next few years on your economy car would outway any savings on fuel. You could also run into repair bills on your economy car. At the end of the day,it's an emotional decision not a financial one.

I would say that any IS200 which is not up to scratch must have suffered serious neglect. They are not expensive to maintain and they are well known in the motor repair trade. Keep on looking for a really nice because they are there - travel if necessary.

No, doesn't make any differece on or off. A/C works OK.

Just noticed a faint sound from the passenger side which sounds just like a coffee percolator bubbling away - any ideas?

Never been aware of a heated front screen on my 2001 version. Does it really have one?

I asked my local service guy to check out the gearbox and diff oil on my 57K mile IS200. He came back to me to say it was still good and a waste of money changing it. The car still drives very smoothly with no funny noises. He claims that IS200's don't break.

Does the current service sheet (the one with schedule spelt out) quote 6 years or 60K miles?

This business over the timing belt. My instinctive reaction to reading this post was NO the timing belt must be changed at 6 years or 60K miles, whichever is sooner. On checking my service history sheets I find that up until 2005 Lexus were saying 6 years or 100K miles, whichever is the sooner. In 2005 they say 10 years or 100K miles, whichever is the sooner. Unfortunately I don't have the schedules for 2006 onwards. So if it hasn't been changed, then you don't need a belt change. Has anybody else got the 2006 onwards service sheets? If your car is out of warranty, I would go to a good independent. IS200's are very familiar to the motor trade and you will save a fortune.

I would try and get a kit from wherever without the water pump, if there is nothing wrong with it. My IS200 had its timing belt replaced at 6 years and is now nearly 10 years old. Still on original water pump. Get a good independent to fit it. IS200's are well known in the trade, so there should be no problems.

The Sport has an LSD. 25mpg in town, 35 on long motorway (not hanging about). Superb build quality and reliability. If serviced properly don't worry about high mileage. Should be plenty around with current petrol prices. Going up at least 5p soon.

If the seller will let you remove the cover to inspect the timing belt, then I would agree with SparkMarky. If not, I would be very careful. I have seen a pic of a IS200 belt with over 90K miles and it was half its original size.

A good independent will have no problems with your IS200. Check that the cambelt and pulley have been replaced - should have been done in 2008. You should see a sticker on the engine with the date and mileage recorded. If the service invoices are missing you could always ask the Lexus dealer for confirmation.

If the seller can't prove that the timing belt etc. has been changed then I wouldn't even think about buying it. It could snap on you as you drive off. Then you are talking megabucks. If it has been done, I would get an estimate from a good independent on the cost of a service. IS's are not complicated cars and the trade is well used to them.

I think the cam belt change is 6 years or 60K miles, if it is like the IS200. If so, it should have had one change in the service docs and the next one will be at 12 years or 120K miles.